Richmond has won five of the past even encounters against the Sydney Swans, including the last three by a combined margin of 22 points.

Just when the last game, back in Round 8 earlier this season, looked done and dusted everything fell apart for the red and white when Sam Lloyd stole the win with a goal after the siren.

The loss adds to an interesting narrative of Sydney v Richmond upsets, including the one in late 2014 when the Tigers trumped the home side by three points at ANZ Stadium to win finals berth.

What, then, is it about this Richmond side that continually gets the job done against the red and white?

"It's hard to put your finger on one thing," assistant coach Henry Playfair said on Friday.

"Certainly, in all those games, we haven't played our best.

"Our intensity and effort (will be) the most important things to focus on (on Saturday)."

With the minor premiership and a home final at the SCG on the line, there's plenty to play for when the clubs meet again.

The duel between arguably the best forward and defender in the competition - Alex Rance and Lance Franklin - will again be at the forefront of the twilight fixture.

The pairing of Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin, who averages 23 disposals against Sydney, up against the likes of Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker and Dan Hannebery will also be an intriguing battle.

It's also set to be a big occasion for Sudanese-born Mabior Chol, who was named to make his debut for Richmond on Saturday night.

He'll become the fourth player of Sudanese heritage to play AFL football.